Clifden: The Best Places to Eat, Sleep, Shop and Explore
Once a hidden jewel of Connemara, Clifden is now stepping into the spotlight. The vibrant coastal town is rich in charm, culture and scenery, making it the ideal spot for a summer getaway. Often dubbed “the capital of Connemara”, its idyllic setting is matched by a lively atmosphere, bustling boutiques, mouthwatering restaurants, and traditional pubs. Whether you’re tackling the panoramic Sky Road, warming up after a windswept beach walk, or watching spectacular sunsets, read on to start planning your dream Connemara adventure today...
Where to stay
Sunnybank House
This south-facing historic house offers the perfect combination of old-world charm with modern facilities, and, bonus, it’s just a two-minute walk from town. Here’s hoping you get a sizzling sunny day so you can avail of their excellent outdoor dining and barbecue facilities. They’ve also got an outdoor heated swimming pool and sauna, should our typical Irish summer weather kick in, connemararentals.com
The Townhouse
If being in the heart of the action brings you joy, you’ll love this elegant boutique townhouse situated on Market Street, in the middle of Clifden. Spread over three floors, it can accommodate up to five guests (or four adults and two children),
connemararentals.com
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
A true treat, Ballynahinch is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels. Situated on a 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks, the views alone are worth a stay, though the award-winning restaurants will win you over too, ballynahinch-castle.com
Renvyle House
Located on a 150-acre estate on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, the warm and welcoming Renvyle is a firm favourite. The grounds include a private freshwater lake for fishing and boating, woodlands, gardens, an outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tubs, renvyle.com
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Immerse yourself in the Abbeyglen experience, where captivating tales of local history are shared. Their vibrant piano bar sets the stage for nightly symphonies and you can even expect some singalongs, abbeyglen.ie
The Quay House
Situated overlooking Clifden harbour, The Quay House has fourteen individually-furnished guest bedrooms and an award-winning breakfast is served in the bright and spacious Conservatory. The ideal place to both relax and explore the magic of Connemara, thequayhouse.com
Where to eat
Guy’s Bar
This bar has been welcoming visitors to Clifden for over a century and is a great place to relax beside turf fires (yes, even in summer – God knows we might need it) and settle in for some people- watching. Made up of small, intimate traditional snugs, with a great outdoor seating area ideal for people-watching on sunny days, guysbarclifden.com
The Willow Tree
Dedicated to bringing the rich flavours of Ireland to your plate, The Willow Tree’s story is one of culinary excellence, tradition, and a commitment to community, championing the use of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices,
thewillowtreeclifden.com
To do
Connemara Sea Baths
This rejuvenating experience starts with a steam before you immerse yourself in a bath of wonderfully nutritious seaweed. When you’re finished, you can try their outdoor plunge pool to tighten your pores. For incredible views, don’t forget to unwind in their outdoor jacuzzi overlooking Clifden Harbour, connemaraseaweedbaths.com
Clifden Arts Festival
The 2025 line-up promises an unforgettable journey of sound, story and spirit. Headliners include The White Horse Guitar Club, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Mike Denver aka “The Galway Boy” and Hothouse Flowers, to name just a few. A particular highlight is set to be comedy icon Tommy Tiernan, clifdenartsfestival.ie
Kylemore Abbey
A haven of history that has been home to a Benedictine order of nuns for the past 100 years. Welcoming visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000- acre estate, this year sees the return of their popular talks and guided tours.
Don’t miss the Old Ireland in Colour exhibition at Fordham Hall, featuring colourised images of life in 19th and early 20th century Ireland.
Families can meet the Abbey’s Connemara ponies and their foals during feeding times at 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily. Then stroll through the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden and finish your visit at the gift shop for handmade crafts and local treats, kylemoreabbey.com
To shop
Ohh! by gum
One of the best examples of environmentally-friendly retail in the country, pop in to browse an expertly curated collection of sustainable style finds, ohhbygum.ie
Clifden Book Shop
With a mission to promote a love of reading and literature in adults and children, this bookshops mantra is “there is a book out there for everyone, that is the key to unlocking a lifelong love of reading” and their incredible selection will help you find your next great read, clifdenbookshop.com
Millars
This boutique is a go-to. Such is their appeal that they even had a visit from Princess Grace of Monaco. Her signature, along with other well-known faces, is on display in their collection of visitor sign-in books, millarsconnemara.ie
Connemara Blue
If you are looking for an unusual and beautiful gift from the sweetest family business, check out Connemara Blue’s fused glass products, which are quite different from blown glass, making a unique gift idea, connemarablue.com
Connemara Design House
Home to a stunning collection of handmade rugs, beautiful wall hangings and artisan furniture, it’s a must-visit for an interior design lover, connemaradesignhouse.com
Provenance Interiors
A gorgeous store that showcases a wonderful collection of lighting, rugs,
home accessories and fabrics handpicked by founder Rosie Johnson, provenance-interior.ie
Love Vintage
A charming and colourful little gem, absolutely packed with gorgeous vintage style finds and brilliant vintage style, lovevintage.ie
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